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They said: “The work with DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) has recently concluded that just over 8,000 Northern Ireland ESA claimants may be affected by this error with the average amount of arrears due estimated to be £3,000 per affected claimant.”

But DfC did not reveal the situation voluntarily, only admitting the failure when probed by the party.

They also told Ms Mallon they would contact those affected after establishing a special review team for the underpayments, which happened from 2011 to 2014.

The government owes 8,000 sick people about £3,000 each (Image: posed)

Ms Mallon added: “The Department for Communities must set out clearly how and when those affected will be paid what they are owed.

“This is another stark example of how people are being failed and forced to endure hardship with no local Minister, Government and Assembly in place to protect them and hold people to account.

“This Tory welfare system has been bedecked with failure after failure with the Government only responding when forced to by High Court rulings or damming independent reports. This is further proof if at all needed, that the system is fundamentally flawed and needs completely overhauled.”

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A spokesperson for DfC said: “The department has established that just over 8,000 Northern Ireland claimants may be affected. All claimants who are impacted will be contacted directly.

“In line with the DWP approach, we will aim to complete a review of all affected cases by April 2019.”

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